Festival announces contest finalists

The Sisters Folk Festival has announced the five finalists for this year's Songwriting Contest.

The contest features performing songwriters vying for a $500 cash prize.

The contest drew approximately 150 entrants from all over the United States.

The finalists are:

• Jim Faddis of Nine Mile Falls, Washington.
• Dale Fisk of Council, Idaho.
• Matthew Fox of St. Paul, Minnesota.
• Dennis McGregor of Sisters, Oregon.
• Ginny Mitchell of Santa Cruz, California.

The contestants perform on Saturday, September 6 at noon at the Bronco Billy's stage at the Hotel Sisters.

The Sisters Folk Festival runs September 5-7 at several venues throughout Sisters.

The festival features performances by ace bluegrass band Blue Highway and legendary artists Chris Hillman and Herb Pedersen.

Hillman was one of the founding members of The Byrds and performed with Pedersen in The Desert Rose Band.

Friday night's performance focuses on Women in Folk with performances by Tracy Grammer, Eliza Gilkyson and Christine Kane.

Folk duo Robin and Linda Williams are also featured performers.

According to organizers, the event is close to selling out. To order tickets, call 549-4979 or visit www.sistersfolkfestival.com.